In brief

Standard & Poor’s has reaffirmed
BHP Billiton
’s A+ credit rating despite the recent plunge in commodities prices, which had led to speculation from analysts that the company was at risk of a downgrade. Jamie Freed

United States cosmetics house Estee Lauder has launched legal action against
Wesfarmers
’ Target chain of stores, claiming it sold counterfeit cosmetics under the MAC brand. Target has said it is undertaking testing of the products . Sue Mitchell

New Zealand retailer
The Warehouse Group
, 10 per cent owned by
Woolworths
, has reported a 14 per cent fall in underlying earnings. An improved performance in the second half is potentially giving Woolworths options to sell its stake. Sue Mitchell

Insurance Australia Group
chief executive Michael Wilkins has acquired 81,200 shares as part of his 2011 remuneration plan. The shares, which were acquired on 3 September, closed on that day at $4.21.Ruth Liew.